Improving equality<\/h4>\n Whilst the perception of gender equality is improving, and the number of women holding positions of leadership in Africa is increasing, there is still work to be done. UN Women<\/em>, established in 2010, is an organisation of the United Nations that champions gender equality, working to develop and uphold standards, and create an environment in which every woman can live to her full potential.<\/p>\n\u201cWomen constitute almost 70% of the agricultural labour force yet find there isn\u2019t the same access to resources as there is for men\u200a\u2014\u200aresources like land, financial resources, and information about markets and technologies. The result is they continue to bear the brunt of this inequality, evidenced by low and unreliable incomes, low productivity and limited employment opportunities.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cWomen make substantive contributions in the economic growth of most countries yet they do not fully enjoy the benefits that accompany this growth. I want to help to change this, and for me, UN Women<\/em> is an organisation right at the forefront of promoting issues of gender equality and the empowerment of women.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\u201cHaving been raised by a single mum, I understand the everyday challenges that many women face just to keep their families together and ensure they are well cared and provided for.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Political representation<\/h4>\n In parts of Africa, some countries are leading the way towards more balanced gender representation in politics. Figures from the UN show that women occupy 24% of parliamentary and ministerial seats across sub-Saharan Africa. This compares favourably to the US where less than a fifth of congressional seats are held by women. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (an international organisation of parliaments), women make up more than 60% of the political representation in Rwanda.<\/p>\n
Loise comments, \u201cIt is satisfying to be part of efforts to correct inequalities and contribute to a fairer and just society, where societies work together to achieve sustainable development.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Giving back to student\u00a0ministry<\/h4>\n Lois continues to see the value and importance of student ministry. As a certified organisational development specialist, she recently worked to support the IFES regional team in English- and Portuguese-speaking Africa (EPSA) to develop a three-year capacity-expansion plan for the region.<\/p>\n
Asked what encouragement she would give to students today, Lois replied:<\/p>\n
\u201cMy heart for students is that they seek out their life\u2019s purpose, and serve God faithfully in it. That might be frontline ministry, or in the market place, but it is important we put to use the gifts and talents God has given us.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cWe should all work together as the body of Christ to bring positive change and leave a lasting impact in our families and societies.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nRespond<\/h4>\n How have you been challenged and developed, through student ministry, to put to use the gifts and talents God has given you?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":530,"template":"","area":[],"theme":[],"class_list":["post-703","conexion","type-conexion","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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